Policy on /usr/tmp and /tmp usage

Over the past few weeks, there has been an increase in the number of times either /usr/tmp or /tmp has filled-up with user files. The philosophy behind /usr/tmp and /tmp is that these directories are to be used ONLY for temporary disk space needs. This is a shared resource; therefore, it has to be managed such that all users have fair and equitable access.

/usr/tmp is intended for users who have TEMPORARY disk space needs above and beyond the capacity of the user's disk quota.

/tmp, a different temporary storage area than /usr/tmp, should not contain any user-created files; it is intended as a work area for use by system applications. Any user-created files found in /tmp are subject to removal immediately.

The following criteria will be in effect regarding file life-times in /usr/tmp are in effect

/usr/tmp is intended for temporary space during your current logged in session. It is NOT to be used for overnight storage or for storage while you log off and go home.

Files will be removed from /usr/tmp if the owner of the file does not have an active session.

The job that enforces this policy will be run every two hours throughout the day and night. This implies that your files will live for a maximum of two hours after you log off or your process terminates.

/usr/tmp will be cleared according to the above policy every even hour, on the hour (i.e., 12am, 2am, 4am, etc.).

Users are prohibited from creating files in all other user-writeable, system directories. Creation of files by users in these directories will be regarded as a violation of computer-use policies.

This policy affects all of ITS's UNIX machines, multi-user and workstation, alike.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ITS Service Desk.